CHARLOTTE, N.C. - The Charlotte Independence announced the re-signing of defender Clay Dimick and signing of defender Héctor Acosta for the 2022 season pending league and federation approval.

Clay Dimick returns for his fourth consecutive year with the Jacks. In 2021, he played in 20 games and recorded 1,308 minutes. Defensively, he made 25 clearances, five blocks and 17 interceptions. Offensively, he notched two assists.

“I am delighted to keep Clay with the Independence for the 2022 season,” explained Head Coach and General Manager Mike Jeffries. “Clay is a fierce competitor with a work ethic second to none. Clay brings tenacity, a high soccer IQ, and a tremendous work rate every day. He will be an important piece of our backline in 2022. In addition to contributing on the field, Clay’s experience and personality will allow him to provide excellent mentorship for many of the younger players.”

Before joining the Charlotte Independence in 2019, Dimick was a standout on the backline for USL League Two's Charlotte Eagles. He registered 14 starts and one goal.

Dimick began his professional soccer career in 2016 with the West Virginia Alliance. In 2017, he competed for three different clubs: GPS Portland Phoenix, Westgate Sindjelic and Geelong.

“I am very happy to sign with the Independence for the 2022 season,” stated Dimick. “I’m excited to play for Coach Jeffries and in front of the supporters for another year. I’m eager to build on the success we saw last year as a club. Entering my fourth year with the team, I look forward to stepping into a leadership role and doing what I can to help us win.”

A two-sport athlete out of high school, Dimick played four seasons with the men’s soccer program at Belmont Abbey College where he led the Crusaders in goals scored for three consecutive seasons.

“We’re glad to welcome back Clay,” stated Charlotte Independence President and COO, Tim Schuldt. “He’s a terrific player on the field and embodies our core values as a club. We look forward to watching his leadership on the field and in the community in 2022."

Héctor Acosta, a 21-year-old defender from Venezuela, is the newest player to join the Jacks ahead of their USL League One debut. 

“Hector is an exciting signing for the Independence. At 21 years old, Hector has already played significant minutes in Venezuela’s First Division,” explained Mike Jeffries. “As a young defender, Hector is comfortable and composed in possession; most importantly, his defensive qualities and instincts are strong. I look forward to seeing Hector continue his development in League One with the Independence.”

For the last year, Acosta competed with Universidad Central de Venezuela in the Venezuelan Primera División. As a center back, he made nine appearances, scored one goal and played 711 minutes. 

“I’m very happy to be part of the Charlotte Independence and it’s an honor to wear the colors of this institution,” explained Acosta. “I’m ready to set foot on the field, meet with my teammates and demonstrate my skills. I am eager to be able to contribute my potential and experience to the team’s defense. It is a new challenge for me, and I want to continue to grow and help the team win. Go Charlotte Independence!”

The previous year he competed with Gran Valencia FC where he made 14 appearances, scored one goal and played 1,220 minutes. 

Acosta’s professional soccer career began in 2019 with Llaneros de Guanare EF where he made 21 appearances and accumulated 1,678 minutes played.

“Mike always does a great job building our roster,” stated Charlotte Independence President and COO, Tim Schuldt. “He got us another gem with Hector! We look forward to watching this young man play exceptional defense and help us grow our brand in the community."